6 Mock deals the Milwaukee Bucks should pursue ahead of 2024 NBA Trade Deadline
By Dalton Sell
A mock trade between the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks
Bucks/Hawks trade
Per Yahoo! Sports' NBA insider Jake Fischer, the only two Atlanta Hawks untouchable in trade talks right now are Trae Young and Jalen Johnson. They have a cache of incredibly interesting players on that roster, but a lot of them would likely be too pricey for Milwaukee's taste. However, they do have a pair of wings in AJ Griffin and Wesley Matthews who could make sense as targets.
Griffin, son of current Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin, is having a tough year, having only appeared in 12 games due to stepping away for personal reasons. After an impressive rookie year, the wing hasn't even been a key cog in Atlanta's rotation when he is available. Perhaps a change of scenery in a place with a family member could help him spread his wings and unlock that potential.
While the 6-foot-6 forward isn't the defensive ace the Bucks need, he's still just 20 years old and has plenty of room to grow. Perhaps his father and this staff could help him develop into that role. As is, he could give Milwaukee another energizer who can score and shoot the basketball extremely well. Teams can never have enough wings over 6-foot-5 in today's NBA.
As for the other player who would be coming to Milwaukee in this trade, Bucks fans are familiar with what he brings to the table. During the past year and a half with the Bucks, Matthews was among the team's best defenders and played every possession like it was his last. The Bucks could bring him in and throw him at opposing scorers to hound them.
At 37 years old, Matthews is not the player he once was, but he could have some fuel left in the tank. The Bucks could use him in a small role to give them a spark defensively, as he would provide a nice amount of versatility and toughness. Perhaps the third time Matthews and the Bucks come together could be the charm.
Like the Toronto mock, both Hawks in this trade are on smaller contracts. The Bucks could package Pat Connaughton, Robin Lopez, and two second round picks as an offering.